Helmet-lamp combination



Jan. 31, 1967 v, HARDlNG 3,302,018

HELMET-LAMP COMB INATI ON Filed Feb. 17, 1964 INVENTOR RAYMOND V. HARDING ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,302,018 HELMET-LAMP COMBINATION Raymond Vincent Harding, 745 Stephen Ave, Perth Amboy, NJ. 08861 Filed Feb. 17, 1964, Ser. No. 345,397 1 Claim. (Cl. 240-60) The present invention relates to head coverings and more particularly to a protective helmet having incorporated therein a lamp and power source for the lamp.

The present invention contemplates the provision of a protective helmet adapted for use by automobile mechanics, repair men for various types of machinery, electricians, plumbers, firemen, and by anyone in various kinds of work when working in positions where the space is restricted and it is necessary to use both hands for manipulating tools. The present helmet is formed entirely of a durable plastic material for lightness and strength and which eliminates personal hazards when Working around electrical units. The helmet is made generally eliptical in shape and of minimum size to permit the wearer to get his head into tight areas comfortably. The present helmet further includes an adjustable light and self contained batteries to provide light where necessary and at the same time free both hands for manipulating tools.

An important feature of the present invention is to provide the present helmet with a raised ridge extending lengthwise of the helmet to provide a recessed portion for the wiring connecting the lamp and the battery, said ridge serving the additional function of forming a hand grip for picking up the helmet.

Thus, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a protective helmet formed of plastic material which is durable but light of weight and providing head protection against electrical hazards.

A further object of the invention is to provide a protective helmet having a built-in light and power supply, and wherein the helmet is formed with a raised portion serving as a handle and also providing a housing for the Wiring.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a protective helmet which is so shaped as to occupy minimum space and which is adaptable to accommodate all head sizes.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a protective helmet which is economical to manufacture, neat in appearance and comfortable in use.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective of the protective helmet forming the subject matter of the present invention, and

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the helmet.

Referring to the drawing, reference numeral designates the helmet which is of generally eliptical shape and consists of a crown portion 11, a visor 12 and a battery compartment 13 extending from the rear of the helmet. The crown of the helmet is provided with a raised ridge portion 14 extending from the rear of the helmet to the visor. The sides 15 of the ridge portion are dished in- Wardly to provide a handhold for picking up the helmet.

The battery compartment 13 is provided with a lid 16 enabling access to the battery compartment 13 for replacing the batteries shown in dotted lines and indicated by numeral 17. The batteries may be supported in the compartment in any conventional manner. At the front of the helmet there is provided a lamp 18, having a pair of legs 19 extending therefrom and adapted to fit against opposite sides of ridge 14. The lamp is secured to the ridge for up and down movement by a threaded bolt 20 passing through the legs and the ridge and anchored by a threaded Wing nut 21 which in tightened position will hold the lamp in various up and down adjusted positions.

Suitable wiring 22 extends from the batteries 17 to the lamp 18 and to a switch 23 built into the visor 12 for operating the lamp. Any conventional wiring arrangement may be employed and since it forms no part of the present invention, need not be shown in detail. It will be noted, however, that the Wiring is housed in the channel 24 formed by the raised ridge portion 14.

As seen in FIGURE 2, a head liner is secured to the interior of the helmet for firmly and comfortably holding the helmet on the head of the wearer. This liner comprises expandable, elastic material 25 secured to the helmet by four plastic rivets 26. The elastic character of the material and the manner of mounting the liner provides for use of the helmet on various head sizes. To provide further adjustment of the member 25, an ad justable linkage 29 may be included.

From the above, it will be readily apparent that the present construction is well adapted to accomplish the objects and advantages set forth. It will be understood that minor changes may be made in the details of construction without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, while I have shown the batteries mounted at the rear of the helmet, they may be mounted within the helmet at the front thereof closely adjacent the light and thereby eliminate the need of wiring.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

A helmet-lamp combination comprising a helmet of generally eliptical shape and formed of durable, plastic material, said helmet having a lamp mounted at the forward end thereof and a battery supported at the rear thereof, wiring connecting the lamp to the battery, a hollow, intergral raised portion extending longitudinally of the helmet and forming a recessed portion for housing the wiring, said raised portion having inwardly directed sides whereby the raised portion forms a handhold for the helmet, said lamp having means thereon for pivotally mounting said lamp to the raised portion of the helmet, means for securing the lamp in various adjusted positions, a visor mounted at the forward end of the helmet and having a lamp operating switch mounted thereon, and an expandable liner secured to the interior by plastic securing means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,891,806 12/1932 Frohder 240-60 2,131,617 9/1938 Cowden 240-60 2,419,661 4/1947 Staaf 240-59 X 2,739,311 3/1956 Bullard 240-59 X 3,133,705 5/1964 Eickelman 240-60 FOREIGN PATENTS 912,127 5/1954 Germany.

9,235 1908 Great Britain.

JOHN M. HORAN, Primary Examiner.

NORTON ANSHER, Examiner.

CHARLES R. RHODES, Assistant Examiner. 

